Gingrich Is Sure of Re-Election,
But May Face Rival Candidate

WASHINGTON -- Newt Gingrich faces a late-breaking insurgency by Republican defectors who are threatening to vote for House Banking Committee Chairman James Leach as a GOP alternative for speaker.

Mr. Leach stunned the GOP leadership early Monday when he issued a strong rebuke calling on Mr. Gingrich to step down because of his admitted violations of House ethics rules. By Monday night, Mr. Leach was the focus of efforts by a handful...